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In January, current Superintendent Susan Guiney announced that she will be retiring at the end of the academic year, effective in July, prompting a nationwide search for her replacement, which led the search committee to Kurtis Kotes, who worked his way up from social studies teacher to superintendent in Goshen.
Kotes, a Hopewell Junction resident, began his career as a high school social studies teacher in the Arlington Central School District. He then became the Cornwall High School Assistant Principal while also coordinating the Guidance Department. Kotes went on to be the Goshen High School Principal and was named the Goshen Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, Personnel and Technology in July 2015.
The Mount Pleasant Board of Education “conducted an extensive search process which included two rounds of personal interviews as well as background and reference checks.” More than two dozen candidates applied or were recruited by search consultants.
According to officials, Kotes “comes with an impressive background at the high school and the district levels. He is a compassionate, collaborative leader who keeps the needs of every student utmost in his mind.”
A reception is being planned to welcome Kotes to the district.
“Dr. Kotes' doctoral dissertation focused on the effectiveness of block scheduling. In his Central Office position, his experiences encompass aligning K-6 math curriculum, infusing technology and software development (K-12), developing a K-12 STEAM curriculum and organizing Professional Learning Communities.”
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